Trailertri 720 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Trailertri 720 is celebrated for its agility and high power-to-weight ratio. As a trimaran, it avoids the "hobby-horsing" often found in shorter monohulls, providing a stable, level platform that minimizes heeling—a trait often cited by Farrier in his design philosophy to reduce crew fatigue. The boat utilizes a daggerboard for upwind efficiency, allowing it to point higher than many contemporary cruising catamarans.

With a light displacement and a generous sail area, the 720 is capable of double-digit speeds in moderate breezes. According to historical design notes from Farrier Marine, the 720 was specifically balanced to be light on the helm, providing immediate feedback to the sailor. Its wide beam provides significant righting moment, but sailors transition from monohulls should note that the boat relies on its geometry rather than ballast for stability. In heavy air, the 720 remains predictable, though it requires proactive reefing to manage its high-performance potential. The folding struts are engineered to be under tension while sailing, which stiffens the entire structure and eliminates the "creaking" often associated with early folding designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel, the Trailertri 720 offers a surprisingly functional interior, largely due to the "pop-top" companionway hatch which provides standing headroom in the main cabin while at anchor. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a central settee area that can convert into additional berths, and a small galleyette. Because many 720s were home-built from plans, interior finishes range from utilitarian marine plywood to sophisticated foam-core cabinetry.

The 720 shares its DNA with several siblings, most notably the smaller Trailertri 680 and the later, more refined F-24. While the 680 was more of a "pocket cruiser," the 720 added the necessary volume for genuine weekending. Later versions of the 720 plans included the "wide-hull" variant, which increased internal volume without significantly impacting drag. The design was eventually succeeded in the production market by the F-24, which moved away from the plywood-composite construction of the original 720 in favor of full vacuum-bagged production techniques.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must distinguish between the 720's "production" history (often built under license or by small yards) and amateur-built examples. The following areas are critical for inspection:

• Folding Hinge Pins and Brackets: The Farrier folding system relies on high-grade stainless steel pins and glassed-in mounting points. Inspect these for elongated holes, hairline cracks in the surrounding fiberglass, or "slop" in the mechanism when the boat is partially folded.
• Plywood Core Integrity: Since many 720s were built using the "vertical grain cedar" or marine plywood method, moisture ingress is a primary concern. Use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test on the amas (outer hulls) and the underside of the main hull, especially around the daggerboard trunk and rudder gudgeons.
• Beam Bolt Compression: The bolts that lock the beams in the sailing position can sometimes crush the underlying laminate if they were over-tightened over several decades without proper backing plates.
• Daggerboard Trunk: High-speed groundings can cause structural stress at the aft end of the daggerboard trunk. Check for weeping or evidence of previous epoxy repairs in this high-load area.

Community & Resources

The Trailertri 720 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the multihull world. The most prominent resource is the F-Boat community, which maintains technical archives and discussion groups for all Farrier designs. Technical support and historical plan details are still curated by Farrier Marine, providing a level of designer-direct information that is rare for boats of this vintage. In Australia and New Zealand, where the 720 was exceptionally popular, local multihull associations often host "Farrier Regattas" where 720s continue to compete successfully against modern designs.

The Verdict

The Trailertri 720 is an iconic multihull that offers a rare blend of high-speed performance and genuine trailerability. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who wants to explore coastal waters without the expense of a permanent slip.

Pros:

• Exceptional Versatility: The folding system allows for easy trailering and storage.
• High Performance: Capable of outperforming much larger monohulls in almost all wind conditions.
• Shallow Draft: The daggerboard and kick-up rudder allow for "beaching" and exploring thin water.

Cons:

• Construction Variability: Amateur-built quality can vary wildly between individual boats.
• Living Space: While clever, the interior remains cramped for more than two adults on extended trips.
• Market Rarity: Well-maintained examples are highly sought after and rarely stay on the market for long.